Horsethief Canyon Fire 9-11 Morning Update
Incident: Horsethief Canyon Wildfire
Released: 9/11/2012
Horsethief Canyon Fire Morning Update
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Contact Fire Information
307.739.5577
HorsethiefCanyonFire@gmail.com
Size: 2,638 acres
Percent Contained: 10%
Resources: 5 Helicopters; 10 Engines; 4 Crews; 1 Dozer
Total Personnel: 177
Helicopters and airtankers supported handcrews working on the north and west perimeters of the fire yesterday. Together, they were able to limit fire spread on Monday to 1,100 acres.
Relative humidity was fairly low through the night but cold temperatures prevented any significant fire activity overnight. Firefighters and local law enforcement worked through the night to provide 24-hour coverage on the fire.
Today, firefighters will continue to focus efforts on the north and west perimeters, where the fire is nearest to the town of Jackson. Burn-out operations will be used to secure the fire line closest to the communications site on Snow King Mountain. It is common firefighting practice to reinforce fire lines by eliminating potential fuel sources that may pose a threat to the fire line. Significant thought and planning goes into any burn-out effort and fire managers make sure adequate resources are on hand to address any changes in fire behavior.
Aviation operations for the fire will be based out of the east side of Jackson near the National Elk Refuge offices. Jackson residents and visitors are asked to limit travel to the area and should expect to see firefighting equipment and personnel in the area.
Residents and visitors are reminded that an area closure is in effect for Cache and Game Creeks, including trails on Snow King. The purpose of the closure is to provide for protection of forest visitors from the current fire safety hazards associated with the Horsethief Canyon fire. Entering a closure area is prohibited by the Code of Federal Regulations and a citation along with a fine will be issued to violators.
A number of citizens and local businesses have inquired about providing goods and services to the firefighting community. This sentiment is highly appreciated. If community members do wish to donate, they are encouraged to wait until after the fire or to give monetary donations to American Red Cross or to through Old Bill's to Jackson Hole Fire/EMS to replace the engine that was lost on Saturday.
An evacuation advisory remains in effect for residents in areas of east Jackson. At this time evacuations are voluntary only. All highways and businesses in and around Jackson remain open. Any possible evacuations will be coordinated by the Jackson Police Department with support from by Jackson Hole Fire/EMS and the Teton County Sheriff's Office. The Nixle system (http://www.nixle.com/) is being used to provide updates every 2 hours or more often as needed.
For additional information, see http://inciweb.org/incident/3241/ or http://www.tetonfires.com/.
Please note that the name of the fire is the Horsethief Canyon fire but has previously been reported as Little Horsethief.
